Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1887-06-17
Death Of Geo. II. OFT.

This community was greatly surprised
and shocked on Friday Of last week, at
the announcement of the sudden and IN
expected death Of this aged and respected |
citizen. Although in failing health for
wears. vet so slow was the approach of |
the last end that none realized that he |
was passing under the shadow of the
death angels wing. Bort in Woodstock
the whole of his busy, faithful, christian
life was passed among these people, and |
few could realize that he was to 60 in and |
ont before ITEM no longer. Mr.. Otis en-
tire life $ a one Of great industry |
and intense a clication. lie loved his |
work as he old, nis studies, and it can
be said of a that he never sighted or
overlooked anything that was worth his
attention. In his younger days he re-
ceived the benefit Of careful and COM
petent teachers, and this with long com
prehensive course Of reading made of him
a ripe scholar and profound reasoner and
thinker When boy he passed the ex-
animation and received what he so earn
estly desired, an appointment to West
| Point, but in obedience TO the wishes of a
much loved mother he declined it without
a murmur. We do not think a more hon
est man ever lived, or one who more thor
oughly despised deceit or falsehOod. His
strong nature was truth itself and every
step Of bis long life was made in accord
ance with it. He took deep interest in
the politics and government Of the coun-
try. Believing with his whole soul in the
principles of pure JeffersOnial Democracy
he never faltered, but remained faithful
to his views through the changing for
tunes Of his party. But such was the
klndliness Of his heart he never failed to
recognize and respect the belief of those
who honestly differed with him in their
opinions. With thorough command of
the English language he was keen and
vigorous writer, and often was his pen
felt in the many contests through which
he passed. Deeply imbued with the
truths of the Christian religion for over
thirty years be was an humble faithful
member Of the Presbyterian church of
this place, always striving to do his Mas
ter's will with all the earnestness Of his
sincere and intense nature. Eminently
domestic in his habits it was in the midst
of his family that his kindly nature shone
forth the brightest, and it IS among these
loved ones that bis great loss will be felt
the keenest and the deepest. Up to al
most the hour Of his death he felt an in
terest In things around him and when the
summons to "Come up higher, thou good
and faithful servant" it found him doing
his duty, but ready and willing to go and
be at rest. So gently did his pure spirit
pass from earth TO Heaven that even the
loving hearts that clustered round his
couch could scarcely mark the change
And IT was only when the sky of memory
was illumined with the glorious beauty Of
bis setting life sun did they know that
the dear father had gone before.
} George Harrison OFT was born Dec. 18th,
1872, and died Friday, June 10th. 1887.
Rev. 4. II. Fleming, Of Washington, D..
c., bis former pastor, who came In re-
spouse to telegram, preached an olo-
quent and touching funeral sermon on
Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, TO one of
the largest congregations that has ever
assembled on similar occasion in this
place. and followed the remains to the
Lutheran grave yard where they were
laid to rest by the side Of his loved wife
who preceded him not quite two years.